Treasure in Jars of Clay

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Micah 5:2-4.

When God chose Bethlehem of all places as the birthplace of His Son, He was sending us a message. Why didn’t He choose Jerusalem, the religious capital of Israel? Why not Rome, the capital of a mighty empire? Why not Athens, the center of philosophical thought in the ancient world? Why not Alexandria, the seat of learning and education at that time? Why would God choose the little town of Bethlehem? Because He wanted to tell us that the hope of the world is not in religion, not in government, not in philosophy, not in education. The hope of the world is found in a person, and His name is Jesus.

You see, Almighty God—sovereign, infinite, and holy—is not impressed with what impresses us. He’s not impressed with the wealth, power, philosophy, and learning of the world because He’s the Creator of all knowledge, wealth, and power. Rather, God delights in the humble. He comes to dwell in the heart of anyone who will come in humility, submitting to Him. Bethlehem is a reminder that God brings strength to the weak and gives value to the valueless. Why? Because we all, like Bethlehem, have the potential to become bearers of His glory as jars of clay carrying a precious treasure (see 2 Corinthians 4:7).

You may know that Bethlehem means “house of bread.” It’s fitting because it was from Bethlehem that God gave us Jesus, the Bread of Life (see John 6:35). Similarly, Bethlehem was known for its refreshing, pure water (see 2 Samuel 23:13-17). John 4:14 reveals Jesus as the Living Water: “[W]hoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Jesus, born in Bethlehem, satisfies our deepest longings; He is what our hearts have always needed.

God chose Bethlehem because it is a picture of all of us. From a worldly perspective, it may seem that you don’t matter, but you matter to the Father. And just like Bethlehem, Jesus can be born in you. Spiritually speaking, He can take up residence in your heart and make it His home. If you’ve never done so, give your life to Him today. Today you can live with the freedom of knowing your eternal salvation in Christ; today you can begin to enjoy and hope in the sure promises of God.

Prayer: Lord, You have made me to know You and enjoy You. Help me to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is Your love for me displayed in the gift of Your Son, my Redeemer. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Let’s Go to Bethlehem: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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